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A controversial billboard in Montgomery, Alabama displaying racist blackface imagery alongside Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan has sparked significant backlash in the community. The display, funded through the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and created by the artist group For Freedoms, was intended to generate dialogue before an exhibit commemorating the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday but instead caused anger and pain. Mayor Steven L. Reed quickly ordered the billboard's removal, calling it a politicized distortion of sacred history, which exposed tensions between city leadership and the museum board who claimed the billboard was erected without their approval. The incident has prompted opposing responses from the Southern Poverty Law Center, which supported the mayor's decision, and the National Coalition Against Censorship, which condemned the removal as government overreach.

A series of violent incidents, including the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and a mass shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado, have reignited discussions about gun violence and political tensions in America. These events prompted heated exchanges in the U.S. House between Democrats calling for gun legislation and Republicans opposing them. The article contextualizes these incidents alongside other political violence, including the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and the attempted assassination of President Trump in 2024. With 16,000 gun violence deaths in 2024 (excluding suicides) and increasing mass shootings since the federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004, the article highlights the polarized reactions to these tragedies and the difficulty in finding legislative solutions.

Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) including Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Southern University A&M College, Bethune Cookman, Alabama State, Virginia State, and Hampton University have implemented lockdowns or canceled classes due to credible threats. These security measures were enacted just one day after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University, with the suspect still at large. Civil rights leaders including Reverend William Barber, Congresswoman Alma Adams, and Reverend Al Sharpton have expressed concern about the situation, with Barber noting the "dangerous moment in our nation." This incident follows a pattern of threats against HBCUs, similar to the bomb threats that occurred during Black History Month in 2022, which prompted FBI training for these institutions.

Dr. Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, an anesthesiologist who established the Salem Anesthesia Pain Clinic in British Columbia, was acquitted of false sexual assault allegations made by multiple patients after years of legal battles. Despite overwhelming evidence supporting his innocence, including witness testimonies and revelations about the accusers' criminal histories, Dr. Bamgbade faced severe personal and professional consequences due to what he describes as systemic bias in Canada's justice system. The article details how Canadian authorities allegedly mishandled evidence, conducted aggressive police actions against him, and perpetuated media campaigns that damaged his reputation. Dr. Bamgbade, who has worked as a physician across four countries and runs a clinic that serves Medicare patients without out-of-pocket costs, attributes his treatment to racial discrimination against Black professionals in Canada.

South Sudan has repatriated Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez, a Mexican national, back to Mexico after he was deported from the United States to South Sudan in July. Munoz-Gutierrez, who had a conviction for second-degree murder and a life sentence, was one of eight deportees sent to South Sudan, where six others still remain in custody. The repatriation was coordinated between South Sudan's foreign ministry and the Mexican Embassy in Ethiopia, following diplomatic protocols and international law. This case is part of a controversial U.S. practice of deporting migrants to third countries, which has faced opposition from rights groups and legal challenges, though the Supreme Court allowed swift removals to continue in June.

of "Women in Congress Drive Bipartisan Cooperation Across Party Lines" Female lawmakers in Congress are increasingly forming bipartisan coalitions to advance important legislation despite the typically divided political landscape. Recent examples include Republican and Democratic women working together on initiatives to make the House more accommodating for new mothers, pushing to release Jeffrey Epstein case files against party leadership, and collaborating on a resolution for expanded screening of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), which can cause pregnancy complications. Though women make up only 28 percent of Congress, these cross-party collaborations demonstrate how female legislators are willing to set aside political differences to address issues they care about, often related to maternal health, transparency, and accountability.

Paramount Skydance is reportedly preparing a bid to acquire the entire Warner Brothers Discovery business, leading to a surge in both companies' stock prices. This potential acquisition would combine major media assets including CNN, HBO, CBS, and film studios responsible for franchises like Barbie and Harry Potter. The deal represents further consolidation in the US media industry as companies adapt to the streaming era while facing increased scrutiny from the Trump administration. The potential offer comes shortly after Paramount Skydance's own $8 billion merger was completed, and is backed by significant financial resources from the Ellison family.

The First Annual "Seasoned" Senior Prom was held at the Fourth District Senior Resource Center on September 6, 2025, attracting over 75 guests for an evening of fine dining, music, and dancing. The event featured performances by Larry Streaty with the B-3 Four Band and DJ John Phillips of Golden Voice Productions, creating a nostalgic atmosphere where attendees could reconnect and make new memories. A highlight of the celebration was the King and Queen Coronation Ceremony, where Beverly J. Henry and Nolon Childress were crowned by Superior Court Judge Rod Shelton after competing alongside Naomi Bea and Alford Clairborne. The successful event, which raised funds and awareness for the Center, was made possible through the support of various contributors to the Fourth District Seniors Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Dr. John E. Warren argues that Congress should introduce legislation to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from his position as Secretary of Health and Human Services without President Trump's approval, citing him as a danger to healthcare. Warren suggests using the Discharge Petition mechanism, which would require 218 signatures to force a full House vote, similar to the process used for the Epstein papers. He emphasizes that Kennedy's actions at the CDC are harmful, especially considering the 1.2 million COVID-19 deaths in the US and the proven effectiveness of vaccines. Warren calls on Democrats to introduce similar legislation for all of Trump's actions that violate the Constitution, urging voters to replace representatives who fail to uphold their oath of office.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is experiencing significant disruption following President Trump's dismissal of Director Dr. Susan Monarez, which triggered mass resignations among senior leadership. The agency has been further destabilized by the permanent layoff of 600 employees and the cancellation of hundreds of millions in grants to state and local health departments. These changes have particularly impacted divisions focused on health issues disproportionately affecting Black Americans, including HIV prevention, chronic disease, and environmental safety. The CDC is now led by Jim O'Neill, a venture capitalist with no medical background, raising concerns about the agency's commitment to science-based decision-making and the potential consequences for vulnerable populations.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has relaunched a global news series examining the transatlantic slave trade and its modern implications, with this installment focusing on environmental racism. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., NNPA president and CEO, coined the term "environmental racism" decades ago to describe the deliberate targeting of minority communities for toxic facilities and their exclusion from environmental policymaking. The article highlights how environmental racism represents a continuation of historical oppression of Black Americans, with studies showing that people of color face significantly higher exposure to air pollutants and related health issues. Despite evidence of these disparities, Trump administration policies have reduced environmental enforcement efforts, particularly in civil rights cases, while environmental organizations continue to lack diversity in leadership positions.

Donald Trump consistently criticizes cities with large minority populations as dangerous despite crime reduction in many areas, most notably Washington, D.C., which recorded the nation's highest murder rate in 2023 at 39 per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, several Republican-led states including Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas have murder rates exceeding 9 per 100,000 residents, yet receive little criticism from Trump. This pattern suggests a political strategy of targeting urban areas with significant Black and Latino populations while ignoring similar or worse crime statistics in Republican strongholds. Critics argue this represents a deliberate scapegoating of minority communities, as data shows states like Illinois (containing Chicago) have lower murder rates than many Republican-governed states that Trump rarely mentions.

James Carter Sr., born in 1933 in Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on August 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to both family and country. After graduating from Hubbard High School in 1951, he served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, during which he married his wife Lemille in 1956, beginning a remarkable 69-year marriage that included raising six children. Following his military retirement in 1972, Carter worked an additional 26 years as a firefighter-paramedic and security guard with General Dynamics in San Diego, where he settled with his family. He was known for his cooking skills, love of the Kansas City Chiefs, and is survived by his wife, most of his children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

James Charles Evers, born in 1922 in Mississippi, was a civil rights leader who fought against racial discrimination and became the first Black mayor of Fayette, Mississippi in 1969 after his brother Medgar's assassination. The United Black Front (UBF), formed in 1968, was a coalition of 50 Black Power organizations that advocated for ending white oppression and gaining political and economic influence, but dissolved in the early 1970s despite its initial power. Godwin Ajala, a Nigerian-born lawyer working as a security guard at the World Trade Center while studying for the New York Bar Exam, heroically helped evacuate thousands from Two World Trade Center during the September 11, 2001 attacks, sacrificing his life at age 33.

Charles Johnson of San Diego, a U.S. Army veteran and retired San Diego Gas & Electric manager, passed away on August 25, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in La Jolla in 1940, Johnson was a dedicated member of the 31st Street Seventh-day Adventist Church and enjoyed a 38-year career before retirement. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Caroline, three daughters, seven grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and extended family, while his daughter Tangela Carol and his parents preceded him in death. A Celebration of Life was held on September 8, 2025, at his church followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery with military honors.

California is entering a redistricting battle over control of the U.S. House of Representatives with Proposition 50, which would place redistricting on the November ballot. While opponents immediately launched direct mail campaigns and Democratic supporters began investing in media ads and polling, the African American community has been notably excluded from early campaign efforts on both sides. The article questions whether campaigns assume Black voters either won't participate or will automatically vote Democratic without targeted outreach. It emphasizes the constitutional requirement for inclusive representation in the redistricting process and criticizes campaigns for ignoring Black media outlets while spending advertising dollars with white-owned media.

The 23rd Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF) runs from September 10-20, 2025, under the theme "Promoting the Planet Through Film" with events at the Grand Lake Theater, Northeastern University, and Geoffrey's Inner Circle. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee has praised festival director David Roach for his 23 years of work showcasing Oakland's positive achievements while connecting filmmakers and audiences globally. The 11-day festival features premieres, documentaries, shorts, panels, and red-carpet events that represent Oakland's vibrant cultural scene, referred to as "The Oakperience." Opening films include "From Here/From There" about a DACA recipient arguing before the Supreme Court and "Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey" documenting the 50-year history of the National Association of Black Journalists.

The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results show significant academic declines among U.S. students, with twelfth-graders performing worse in both reading and mathematics compared to 2019, and eighth-graders showing deterioration in science scores. Reading scores for high school seniors have dropped three points since 2019 and ten points since 1992, with only the highest-performing students maintaining their levels. Mathematics and science results mirror this downward trend, with increasing percentages of students falling below basic proficiency levels across all subjects. African American students continue to be disproportionately represented among lower performers nationally, maintaining longstanding achievement gaps when compared to White and Asian peers despite the overall national decline in scores.

Issa Rae's new two-part HBO documentary, "Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television," premiering September 9, examines the complex history of African American representation on television. The documentary features prominent figures including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Shonda Rhimes discussing both the achievements and challenges faced by Black creators in the television industry. Rae was motivated to create this project after witnessing the disappearance of Black sitcoms in the 2000s and their replacement with often degrading reality TV portrayals of Black women. The documentary emphasizes the importance of authentic representation and creative control, highlighting how networks have profited from Black content while creators have frequently been denied appropriate recognition and ownership.

OpenAI and Meta are implementing changes to how their AI chatbots respond to teenagers in distress, particularly regarding suicide-related queries. OpenAI announced plans to introduce parental controls allowing account linking, feature restrictions, and distress notifications, while also routing sensitive conversations to more capable AI models. Meta is blocking teen conversations about self-harm, suicide, disordered eating, and inappropriate romantic topics, redirecting users to expert resources instead. These changes follow a lawsuit against OpenAI by parents who claim ChatGPT contributed to their 16-year-old son's suicide, and come amid a recent study highlighting inconsistencies in how AI chatbots respond to suicide-related queries.

Frieda McCurley's 65th birthday celebration at the Town and Country Resort drew over 100 attendees and featured a special proclamation from the City of San Diego declaring September 4 as Frieda McCurley Day. The honor recognizes McCurley's 35-year career as a Judge's Clerk at the San Diego County Courthouse, where she became part of the courthouse's longest-serving judge and clerk team. During the celebration, colleagues and friends praised McCurley's professionalism, respect for others, and consistent dedication to justice. The event highlighted not only her professional accomplishments but also her significant community involvement and positive influence on those around her.

Amtrak's new Acela service is being criticized by AmeriStarRail for excluding coach passengers, who comprise over three-quarters of Northeast Corridor ridership. AmeriStarRail has proposed a plan called "Libertyliner 250" that would partner with Amtrak to operate 28 new high-speed trainsets with coach, business, and first-class seating options. The Delaware-based company argues that continuing to use 50-year-old Amfleet coaches at high speeds poses significant safety concerns for millions of passengers. Their proposal would increase capacity by over 50% between New York and Washington while making high-speed rail accessible to all passengers through private financing.

of "African American Firms Participating in California High-Speed Rail Project" The California High-Speed Rail Authority reports that 47 African American-owned firms are working on the state's high-speed rail project as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), representing 5.2% ($96 million) of the $1.136 billion allocated to minority firms. The multi-billion-dollar transportation project has created over 15,600 jobs, primarily in the Central Valley, with a focus on employing people from disadvantaged communities through a Community Benefits Agreement with the State Building and Construction Trades Council. Despite the project's escalating costs from an initial estimate of $33 billion to more than $130 billion, supporters like Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas emphasize its importance in building "a cleaner, more connected California while creating thousands of union jobs." Senate Bill 545, which aimed to study economic opportunities along the high-speed rail corridor, was recently held in the Assembly Appropriations suspense file, effectively ending its progress in the current legislative session.

The release of Jeffrey Epstein's 2003 "birthday book" has reignited public interest in his connections to powerful figures, particularly Donald Trump. The book, compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, contains numerous personal messages to Epstein, including a controversial note allegedly from Trump featuring suggestive dialogue and a nude female torso sketch, which Trump's team denies is authentic. While there's no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Trump, the revelation has political implications as it highlights his former association with the convicted sex offender and comes amid broader congressional investigations into Epstein's network. The birthday book also contains messages from other prominent figures like Bill Clinton and Lord Peter Mandelson, demonstrating the extent of Epstein's connections to powerful individuals.

Reading to children is a valuable practice that offers multiple developmental benefits beyond just storytelling. Research shows that daily reading significantly impacts language development, with children who are read one book daily hearing approximately 290,000 more words by age 5 than those not read to regularly. Additionally, reading supports cognitive development, strengthens parent-child bonds, and helps children develop crucial social-emotional skills including empathy and emotional regulation. These reading sessions also create meaningful moments that both parents and children may remember fondly long after childhood has passed.

Joseph McNeil, one of the "A&T Four" who initiated the 1960 Greensboro sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter, died at age 83. As a freshman at North Carolina A&T State University, McNeil and three classmates staged a nonviolent protest that quickly expanded to thousands of participants and inspired similar demonstrations in over 50 cities across nine states. Their actions contributed significantly to the civil rights movement, helping to pass landmark legislation, and McNeil later became a two-star major general in the Air Force Reserves before working as an investment banker. His death leaves Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair Jr.) as the only surviving member of the group whose carefully planned protest changed the course of American history.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, a suspected terrorist who was one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives for over 20 years, faces an extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court after being arrested in Wales last November. He is charged with multiple offenses related to bombings at the Chiron biotechnology corporation and Shaklee nutritional products corporation in California in 2003, allegedly connected to an animal rights extremist group. San Diego's defense team argues that if extradited and convicted in the US, he could face up to 90 years in prison where he might need to join a white supremacist gang for protection or endure long-term isolation. The hearing has been adjourned until December 8, with prosecutors noting the US government has increased prison funding earlier this year.

In a virtual community forum hosted by the California Commission on the State of Hate, experts discussed the growing polarization in America and strategies to combat hate through dialogue. The September 5th Zoom event featured speakers from UCLA's Bendari Kindness Institute, Western Justice Center, and the Interfaith Speakers Bureau who shared their work in promoting understanding across differences. Presenters highlighted successful initiatives including restorative justice in schools, interfaith dialogue programs, and community-building efforts that have helped address incidents of hate and bigotry. The forum emphasized the importance of building bridges between different communities, particularly during times of heightened tension such as the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas War.

The Tubman Till Museum & Foundation has appointed Dr. Daniel E. Walker as its Chief Scholar and Advisor to provide scholarly leadership for the forthcoming museum slated to open in North Orange County in 2026. Founder Dr. Eric J. Chambers emphasized that Walker's expertise will help build a living legacy rather than just a physical museum space. The museum will focus on the legacies of Harriet Tubman, Emmett Till, and Mrs. Mamie Till Mobley while also featuring stories of abolitionists, allies, unsung heroes, and influential athletes and entertainers. Beyond exhibitions, the institution will function as a media center, educational landmark, and home to Tubman Till College, offering courses in Business Entrepreneurship, History, and Media Studies.

A new report from Americans for Tax Fairness highlights the extreme economic disparity between NFL franchise owners and fans, with owners earning approximately $600 million annually—7,000 times the average fan's income of $85,000. The Republican tax plan will further widen this gap, giving the wealthiest 0.1% (including all NFL owners) tax cuts averaging $286,000 in 2026, while typical fans will experience financial losses of about $700 annually due to Trump's tariffs offsetting modest tax cuts. Meanwhile, fans face rising costs across all aspects of following the sport, including ticket prices averaging $125, expensive concessions further inflated by tariffs, and streaming costs that can exceed $1,000 annually to watch all games. The Green Bay Packers, as the NFL's only publicly owned franchise, demonstrate that billionaire ownership isn't necessary for team success, while Democratic leaders have proposed various tax reforms to address wealth inequality.